With the Prime Minister One-Day tournament underway in Nepal, national cricketer Karan KC has been in hot soup for his remarks directed towards the umpires. Representing the Nepal Police Club in the ongoing tournament, Karan KC sparked controversy for a comment on a post that reportedly did not align with the spirit of the game. As a result, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has issued a one-match ban to the 34-year-old all-rounder.
In a statement on April 12, the CAN spokesperson, Chhumbi Lama, stated that the decision was taken in coordination with the relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, he has been punished with a fine of 100% of his match fee. The 34-year-old on a post shared by Troll Cricket Nepal replied, “If Kunyi player le umpire lyi galti le pityo vanne I mean by mistake… kati match BAN ho?” (“If any player beats an umpire mistakenly, how many matches would he be banned for? Just for query?“)
Karan KC issues apology; says that it came out of ‘curiosity’
His remarks drew criticism from the Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Nepal (CUSAN), and thereafter, they demanded strict action against the player. “We condemn the statement made by Nepal Police Club and national player Karan KC regarding the umpire’s decision on social media. Such a statement has dealt a blow to our professional security and self-respect,” their statement read.
While the cricketer is set to face a one-match ban for disciplinary reasons, he responded, calling it “curiosity in a joking manner.” “I had expressed a curiosity in a joking manner, saying, ‘What would happen if there were a scuffle between the players and the umpire?’ Since in cricket, the umpire, coach, and players are all like one family, if the statement written in that joking manner has hurt anyone, I apologise,” he said, extending an apology. Karan also deleted that post.
However, despite the apology, the Umpires Association continued to demand disciplinary action. “We have taken this as a serious matter. An apology from players is not enough. We are confident CAN will take necessary action,” Mohammad Shafiq, the President of the Umpires Association, was quoted by Nepali media.
